Expert: Rob Painter - 6/12/2010

Question
When I turn the key to receive power without cranking the engine, I normally I would hear the fuel pump kick in, but now I don't hear that sound anymore and the engine will not turn over. What may cause this malfunction and what is the repair remedy.


Respectfully,
V. Justice

Answer
Hello,

Without being at the vehicle as you know I can only give it my best guess based on my training, background and experience in these matters.

It could be a problem with the GM Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS that doesn't prevent theft, but is a common complaint from owners of these systems when their vehicles don't start.

At one point I was averaging 15 complaints a day as to how to get the engine running until I just could not any longer deal with it.

A very common problem is where the two very tiny (like telephone wires) wires that run through the steering column from under the driver's side dash, up to one contact in the ignition lock cylinder across the resistor in the ignition key when inserted into the lock, to the next contact in the lock cylinder down through the steering column and to the VATS module that requires the correct resistance coded key to run the fuel pump and engage the starter disable.

Since these wires are so thin, they commonly break inside the plastic insulation. You would never physically see a break.
It can be detected by an ohm meter checking for continuity.

What causes these wires to break can be the same for a one or two time temporary start in order to get the problem fixed.

You can try listening for the fuel pump running while trying to start the engine in different tilt positions. You can try shifting to neutral and see if the engine starts.

Now, if this is the problem, take the car to an alarm store. They know how to bypass the VATS for remote start. If you go to the dealer, they will sell you an ignition lock assembly for $500 and you will just have the problem again.

WARNING--If you find VATS is the problem and you have it bypassed--you MUST install a hidden starter kill switch. The reason being is that old cars are stolen much more often that new cars and if you have comprehensive insurance (fire and theft), the insurance company will not pay on a theft claim because according to the goofs at the insurance companies and their so-called experts the vehicle is impossible to steal.

With your two symptoms, I think your symptoms fall in line with my theory here.

Good luck!

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